Man arrested on suspicion of murder following stabbing

POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following the stabbing of a 17-year-old boy yesterday (Thursday).

The 31-year-old suspect from Rye is currently in police custody and will be interviewed by detectives in due course.

Extensive enquiries are currently being undertaken by a team of officers based at Hastings in support of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team to establish what led to the victim being fatally stabbed.

Police and ambulance services were called to Mount Pleasant Road at 3.19pm yesterday near The Shah pub.

Paramedics fought to save the boy, who was stabbed twice in the chest, but he sadly died.

Superintendent Trevor Botting, head of crime and operations for East Sussex, said: "This is a tragic incident and one that has shocked the local community. Our thoughts are with the victim's family who understandably are devastated by the events of this afternoon.

"It is too early to speculate as to the circumstances of this tragedy. Our job now is to gather as much information as we can to build up a picture of what happened and to identify those responsible.

"We need the public's help to do this and would urge anyone who thinks they have information but has not yet contacted police to do so as a matter of urgency."

"We apologise to residents for any inconvenience caused during this time. We would like to thank them for their co-operation and patience."

Mount Pleasant Road and surrounding areas are currently sealed off by police while enquiries are undertaken.